Match Report

Match Report by Scott Gallacher

Stenhousemuir strolled to victory on a cold afternoon at Ochilview as they convincingly beat East Fife 5-0 in the William Hill League One.

Ross Taylor scored a brace within six minutes, with both goals almost carbon copies of each other as he sliced through the East Fife defence and slotted home one-on-one on both occasions.

The second half saw that momentum continue as Ross Taylor assisted Ollie Whyte for his third goal for the club and the third of the afternoon, as he rocketed the ball into the top left corner of the net.

The closing stages of the game saw Dale Carrick net his first goal since returning from injury just two minutes after coming off the bench, before Nicky Jamieson’s thumping header sealed the fifth of the afternoon.

Gary Naysmith made one change from last week’s win against Queen of the South, with Kelsey Ewen coming into the starting XI in place of Archie Graham.

Only two minutes into the game, Ross Taylor warned East Fife of what was to come as his whipped delivery into the Fifers’ box was collected well by Matthew Rollo.

Four minutes later, Taylor again threatened after collecting a loose ball on the edge of the area, but couldn’t connect cleanly and his effort drifted wide.

East Fife had their first chance of the game after 15 minutes, but the Stenny defence remained resolute and forced the ball out for a corner.

Ross Meechan was next to test the East Fife defence, with his free-kick from the edge of the box almost sneaking in at the near post, but Rollo was alert to the danger.

Lewis Latona looked to open the scoring with an ambitious effort from distance, but could only see his shot fly into the Donald Smillie Stand.

A beautifully weighted ball from Ross Taylor was swung into the visitors’ box and met well by Matty Aitken inside the area, but his header was saved.

East Fife failed to heed their earlier warnings from Stenhousemuir’s number 11 as Ross Taylor opened the scoring in the 34th minute. A superbly weighted pass from Scott McGill released Taylor in behind the defence, and he calmly slotted past Rollo in a one-on-one.

A carbon copy of the opener doubled the Warriors’ advantage just six minutes later, this time with Matty Aitken providing the assist as Taylor once again raced through the East Fife defence and finished coolly.

Half-Time: Stenhousemuir 2-0 East Fife

Stenhousemuir carried their momentum into the second half, with Ross Taylor turning provider in the 50th minute as Ollie Whyte received a neatly cut-back pass and rocketed the ball into the top left-hand corner of the net.

A brilliant diving save from Darren Jamieson preserved his clean sheet as Reis Peggie looked to pull one back for the visitors.

Dale Carrick, having only been on the pitch for two minutes, headed home Stenhousemuir’s fourth goal after Ollie Simpson’s whipped delivery into the danger area was met well.

In the 90th minute, Nicky Jamieson added further gloss to the scoreline as he rose highest inside the box to thump home a powerful header, leaving Matthew Rollo with no chance.

The result, and performance to match, preserves Stenhousemuir’s place at the top of the William Hill League One table and extends the Warriors’ unbeaten home run to 16 matches.

Full-Time: Stenhousemuir 5-0 East Fife

Match Preview

Match Preview by Scott Gallacher

Stenhousemuir return to action this Saturday as they welcome East Fife to Ochilview Park, with a 3pm kick-off in William Hill League One.

The Warriors come into the contest full of confidence after a huge and convincing 2-0 victory over Queen of the South last weekend.

Goals from Matty Aitken and Nicky Jamieson capped off an excellent all-round performance and lifted Stenhousemuir to the top of the table, underlining their strong form heading into the weekend.

That momentum has been built largely on their strength at Ochilview, where Stenhousemuir remain unbeaten in their last 15 home matches.

This is the longest active unbeaten home run of any SPFL club, and the Warriors will be determined to continue that outstanding form in front of the Warriors faithful on Saturday.

East Fife arrive looking to bounce back after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Kelty Hearts at Bayview.

Lewis Moore’s 40th-minute strike proved decisive in a tight encounter, with the Fifers keen to respond quickly as the league campaign continues.

The visitors have proved stubborn opponents for Stenhousemuir this season as the sides played out a 1-1 draw at Ochilview earlier in the campaign, before East Fife edged the most recent meeting 1-0, with Tommy Goss netting the winner.

With the league leaders in strong form and Ochilview once again providing the backdrop, Stenhousemuir will be aiming to make home advantage count, extend their unbeaten home run, and maintain their strong run of form.